ENHANCEMENT OF MODERN HISTORICAL HERITAGE
Academic Year 2025/2026 - Teacher: CINZIA RECCAExpected Learning Outcomes
The course aims to provide basic tools for understanding and appreciating Italy's cultural heritage from the modern era (15th–19th centuries). In particular, it aims to offer students a broad and in-depth overview of the elements that characterise the cultural heritage of Sicily and, more generally, of southern Italy: a collection of tangible and intangible evidence of significant cultural value, including artistic, historical, archaeological, ethno-anthropological, archival and bibliographic assets.
Through the acquisition of this historical and methodological knowledge, students will be able to understand the cultural and territorial processes that define the identity of places and analyse the paths of enhancement that take concrete form in specific material, heritage, symbolic and landscape forms. At the end of the course, students will also be required to demonstrate skills useful for the management of institutions and organisations operating in the cultural heritage sector.
At the end of the course, students must demonstrate that they have acquired:
DD1 – Knowledge and understanding: solid knowledge of the main characteristics of the cultural heritage of Sicily and Southern Italy in the modern age and of the relevant sources.
DD2 – Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: competence in critically using the knowledge acquired to analyse and enhance cultural heritage, archives, libraries and historical and artistic sites.
DD3 – Independent judgement: ability to critically evaluate the processes of protection and enhancement and to interpret the role of cultural heritage in historical and territorial contexts.
DD4 – Communication skills: ability to present the results of one's analyses and research in a clear and rigorous manner, both orally and in writing, using appropriate disciplinary vocabulary.
DD5 – Learning skills: ability to develop independent study methods and to continue exploring historical and cultural issues in further research or in a professional context.
These skills will provide an essential basis for the future management, protection and promotion of institutions and organisations operating in the cultural heritage sector.
Through the acquisition of this historical and methodological knowledge, students will be able to understand the cultural and territorial processes that define the identity of places and analyse the paths of enhancement that take concrete form in specific material, heritage, symbolic and landscape forms. At the end of the course, students will also be required to demonstrate skills useful for the management of institutions and organisations operating in the cultural heritage sector.
At the end of the course, students must demonstrate that they have acquired:
DD1 – Knowledge and understanding: solid knowledge of the main characteristics of the cultural heritage of Sicily and Southern Italy in the modern age and of the relevant sources.
DD2 – Ability to apply knowledge and understanding: competence in critically using the knowledge acquired to analyse and enhance cultural heritage, archives, libraries and historical and artistic sites.
DD3 – Independent judgement: ability to critically evaluate the processes of protection and enhancement and to interpret the role of cultural heritage in historical and territorial contexts.
DD4 – Communication skills: ability to present the results of one's analyses and research in a clear and rigorous manner, both orally and in writing, using appropriate disciplinary vocabulary.
DD5 – Learning skills: ability to develop independent study methods and to continue exploring historical and cultural issues in further research or in a professional context.
These skills will provide an essential basis for the future management, protection and promotion of institutions and organisations operating in the cultural heritage sector.
Course Structure
The course consists of 36 hours of lessons (6 credits) delivered in person in the classroom through lectures and group research work carried out in the classroom and independently. There will also be visits to the city and archives.
Required Prerequisites
Good knowledge of early modern and contemporary history; ability to ask questions, participate in discussion and debate among other students.
Attendance of Lessons
Attendance is not compulsory, but strongly recommended
Textbook Information
Generale Course
M. Malo- F.Morandi, Declinazioni di patromonio culturale, il Mulino, 2022.
Monographic part
A. Camarda Signorino, Domus siciliae. Piccolo viaggio sentimentale nel cuore intimo delle dimore storiche siciliane, Flaccovio Dario, 2022.
S. Piazza, Dimore feudali in Sicilia fra Seicento e Setteccento, Caracol, 2005
Learning Assessment
Learning Assessment Procedures
For frequent students there is an optional examination in itinere. The
test involves the writing and oral presentation of a project paper
carried out in small groups or individually during the course on one of
the recommended monographic texts. The evaluation of the examination is
taken into account in the calculation of the final grade.
For non-frequent students.
Those who cannot attend the course (Erasmus students or workers) may agree with the professor on alternative programmes
Final examination: oral
For non-frequent students.
Those who cannot attend the course (Erasmus students or workers) may agree with the professor on alternative programmes
Final examination: oral
Examples of frequently asked questions and / or exercises
Frequently asked questions concern the topics indicated in the programme and explored in depth during the lessons